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THE TWIG OF THORN 



THE TWIG OF 
THORN 

AN IRISH FAIRY PLAY 
IN TWO ACTS 



BY 

MARIE JOSEPHINE WARREN 



BOSTON * WALTER H. BAKER 
AND CO., PUBLISHERS* 1910 



•itf^fc 



^v 




Copyright, 1910, 

By MARIE JOSEPHINE WARREN 

As Author and Proprietor 



This play is free for amateur performance. The 
professional stage-right is strictly reserved. Appli- 
cation for the right to produce it publicly should 
be made to the author in care of the publishers. 



©ID 



THE TWIG OF THORN 



THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY 

Nessa Teig, the woman of the house. 

Maurya, her neighbor. 

Oonah, Nessa' s granddaughter. 

Aengus Arann, a young peasant. 

Aileel, a wandering poet. 

Father Brian, the priest. 

A Faery Child. 

Finula, 

Kathleen, 

Sheila, 

Sheamus, 

Martin, 

TUMAUS, 



Y neighbors. 



The scene is laid in the cottage of Nessa Teig, in County 

Galway, near Kylebeg, in the year of the Great Famine. 
The characters are supposed to speak in Gaelic. 
The first act is supposed to take place at twilight on the last 

day of March. The second on the first day of winter 

of the same year. 
During the second act, the curtain is lowered for an instant 

to indicate the lapse of a half-hour. 



THE FIRST ACT 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

THE FIRST ACT 

The scene represents a kitchen in the cottage of 
Nessa Teig. A door at the back leads to 
the open air; another at the left to an inner 
room; there are beside two small neatly cur- 
tained windows. On the right there is an 
open grate with a turf fire burning on it, 
and a settle , two or three stools , and a spin- 
ning wheel before it. On the left, against 
the wall, is another settle; in the corner, a 
dresser with some earthen jugs and bowls 
upon it; and in the left centre, a table cov- 
ered by a bright red cloth, and with several 
stools arranged about it. On a bracket is 
a cheap image of St. Brigit. Nessa, a very 
old woman, sits before the fire spinning flax 
and crooning in a tuneless, quavering voice. 
After a moment the door at the back opens 
and Maury a, another old woman, stands on 
the threshold. 

Mi 



THE TWIG OF THORN 



G 



Maurya. 
OD'S blessing on all in this house. 



Nessa. 

Eh? Come in, come in, neighbor. Come 
to the fire. 

Maurya {entering). 
Fire is very good, though a shadow of green 
is on the hedges and the thorn-tree at the 
three cross-roads has a branch that is blos- 
somed. [Crossing herself .) Soon I'll be find- 
ing my herbs. 

Nessa [her band to her ear). 
Eh ? Why do you sign the cross ? You 
stand on my deaf side. 

Maurya {crossing to Nessa s right). 
I sign the cross because the little people are 
about. There's a shadow of green on the 
hedges, and the thorn-tree at the three cross- 
roads has a branch that is blossomed. And 
as I walked, a whirl of wind went by me with 
a sound of laughter in it. 



■ 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Nessa. 
It's true for you. There's a mysterious feel- 
ing in the air these first green days. That's 
why I spin; for if one of them should open 
the door, and me with a thread of flax in my 
hand, he could not put any spell over me at all. 

Maury a (seating herself). 
You haven't the need to fear them, Nessa, 
while you've the blessed St. Brigit in your 
house. 
[Both look toward the image and cross them- 

selves -) Nessa. 

Yes, 'tis true. But they have great power 
when the thorn-tree blossoms and the wind 
blows — and my grandmother always had the 
flax by her, and her grandmother before her 
— there's a deal of virtue in the flax. (Spins 
again.) They do be saying that Aileel, the 
poet, wears a cord of it always around his 
body to keep him from the charm. 

Maurya. 
Why should that be? Sure his sweet songs 
cannot offend the little people ! 

[3] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Nessa. 
No, 'tis loving him too much they are! 
There is no such harping in their land at all, 
and they would steal him away if they could. 
It is a great power he has against them, for 
the winds and the trees and the birds give 
him warning so that he will not fall into their 
traps ! 

Maurya. 
Is it so! 

(There is a moment* s pause. Nessa spins and 
Maurya watches her with new interest?) 

Maurya. 
I did not think to be finding you alone, 
Nessa. Is not this the day that Father Brian 
was to fetch your granddaughter to you ? At 
noon I heard the rattle of a cart upon the 
road. 

Nessa. 
In Conall's cart it was, he brought her this 
morning, and she beside herself with the 
look of the first green in the fields, and may- 
be a posy to gather. She was singing about 
[4] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

the house, and no sooner was the cloth off 
the table than she says, "'Tis maybe a flower 
I'll find you, granny darling," and off she is 
down the road. {Proudly.) 'Tis a flower she 
is herself — the colleen ! But she must not 
be wandering off and her not knowing the 
turns of the way yet. [Hobbles to the door at 
the back and calls.) Oonah ! Oonah ! [As she 
returns she stops at the table.) See the beau- 
tiful red cloth, Maurya, that she brought me 
from Dublin, bought with her own bit of 
money she earned. 

Maurya {going over to finger the cloth). 
From Dublin is it? 'Tis beautiful, 'tis beau- 
tiful! — Is it like her mother she is? 

Nessa. 
The very fetch of her, Maurya, with the sun 
on her head and the rose in her face. She's 
a good child, and 'tis natural she is wanting 
to look about in a new place. 'Tis all her 
life she has been in Dublin, and she says 'tis 
dirty it is, with smoke and mud, and more 
[5] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

houses than Kylebeg, and closer together, 
and markets to buy, and a church as big as 
Durgin Rossa's field. 

Maury a. 
And think of that! 

Ness a {returns to her spinning). 
And it's a long journey she's come, three 
days riding, and Father Brian borrowed 
Conall's cart and drove ten miles to Burren 
to bring her on to me. 

Maurya. 
Well I mind the day that Father Brian 
brought you her letter. 'Tis a wonderful 
man he is, to read a letter and know who 'tis 

for! 

Ness a {hand to her ear). 

Eh? What is it you're saying? You stand on 
my deaf side. 

Maurya {crossing to Nessas right and seating 

herself again). 
The letter, I was saying. 

[6] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Ness a [proudly). 
Och the letter! 'Tis in the drawer of the 
dresser I keep it, with a fold of clean cloth 
over it. When Oonah comes in, you shall 
see how she can read it herself! 

Maury a {awestruck). 
She read it ! 

Nessa. 
Indeed, it is true ; each word she says just 
as clear and loud as a priest could do. [Rising.) 
What can be keeping the girl ! 'Tis dark it 
will soon be growing. She has gone too far. 
[Goes to the door and calls.) Oonah ! Oonah ! 

Maury a [rising nervously). 
The good saints send no evil has come to 
her, with the little people laughing in the 
wind and the thorn in blossom and all and 
all ! I wish Father Brian would be coming 
down the hill. 

Nessa [who has been peering out). 
I see herself coming. There's a man with 
her, that looks to be Aengus Arann. [Re- 
turns to her wheel.) 

[7] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Maury a [dropping back on her stool and raising 

her hands). 
The saints be praised, then. A fear came on 
me like a cold wind in at the door. Aengus 
will have showed her the road home, maybe. 

Nessa. 

Yes. 'Tis a good boy, Aengus, and a pity 

he has no bit of land of his own. 

[At the door at the back which Nessa has left 
ajar, Oonah appears, her face glowing; the 
hood of her long blue cloak has fallen back, 
and there are some pink blossoms in her hair 
and on her breast?) 

Oonah. 
Oh granny darling, 'tis lost I've been. (Speak- 
ing over her shoulder as she enters?) Come 
in, then ! 

[Aengus enters diffidently yet eagerly. He pulls 
off his cap, but does not take his eyes from 
Oonah, whom he watches like one under a 
lovely spell?) 

Nessa. 
Yes, come in both of you — You're welcome, 
Aengus Arann. 

[8] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah {eagerly). 
He brought me home — 'Twas one road just 
like another, with woods and fields and a hill, 
and bye and bye I came to a cottage just like 
this, but it was not. 

Maurya. 
'Twas mine, colleen. 

Oonah. 
Then you are granny's neighbor, Maurya ! 
She told me of you living near. 

Maurya {pleased). 
Good neighbors for more than sixty years. 

Ness a. 
And 'twas Aengus found you? 

Oonah. 

I heard steps crackling through the twigs, 

and he parted the hedge and came through. 

(She turns to Aengus and they stand looking 

wondering ly at each other just as they must 

have done on the road. 'There is a moment 's 

silence.) 

[9] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Ness a (impatiently). 
Well ? Well ? (She sits by the wheel.) 

Aengus (without taking his eyes from Oonah). 
When I saw her the breath went out of my 
body and my bones turned to water and my 
heart turned to fire. She was one of the folk 
of the tribe of Danu, sure, I was thinking, 
and when she asked me her way at first, I 
could not hear what she said for the music 
of her voice. (There is another little silence.) 

Ness a (impatiently). 
Well? Well? How you stare! Speak louder, 
for you stand on my deaf side. 

Oonah. 
At first I thought he must be one of the 
heroes, he stood so tall against the sun ! 

Ness a (cross ly) 
Eh? I say I do not hear. (Oonah starts and 
turns in confusion away from Aengus' look.) 
Come here, colleen. You should not go so 
far from home until you learn the ways. 
[10] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah {coming to kneel by Nessa). 
Oh! do not scold me, granny. This place 
is very green and beautiful, and I am happy 
here with you. I'm glad my sister's husband 
had to go away, and she with him, so that I 
must come to you. At first I cried, but now 
I'm happy — Oh! I've never been so happy 
in my life before. 

Nessa. 
I hear your mother speaking in your voice. 
She loved the place where she was born, and 
was sorry when her man tired of the farming 
and wanted to seek his fortune away in Dub- 
lin city. Then she was as young as you, 
and that's the last I saw of my girl, for she 
died in Dublin where you were born. [She 
presses her fingers to her eyelids as if to stop 

the tears.) 

Oonah. 

Let me be my mother in your house. 

Nessa (putting her hand on OonaFs head). 
'Tis a good child! (Sharply drawing back.) 
What is that flower in your hair ? 

[■«] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah [takes the pink blossom from her hair). 

There was a tree at the crossing of three 

roads — a tree all black and twisted — but 

one branch was blossomed! 

(Maury a and Nessa spring up in horror. 
Maurya crosses herself and her lips move 
as if in prayer. Nessa lays her hand upon 
the flax of her wheel. Aengus too, starts 
back and lays his hand across his eyes as if 
to keep from looking at her.) 

Oonah (looking round in surprise). 
What is it? (In growing fear.) Why, granny ! 
What is it, granny? 

Nessa. 
Oh, you have brought ill-luck into my 
house ! You have broken the thorn-branch 
and spilled the sap, and brought the cursed 
flower into my house ! Ochone ! 

Oonah (taking the other blossoms from her 

breast). 
I do not understand ! The air was bright 
and the wind full of laughter, and a song 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

was at my heart. The branch stretched 
across my way, and I did but break three 
blossoms. See ! 

Ness a. 

It was the little people laughing in the wind ! 
[She steps back in terror as Oonah holds the 
flowers toward her. She and Maury a clasp 
each other as if for protection^) 

Oonah. 
"Little people!" Oh, what is it you're 
saying ? 

Maury a (angrily). 

What! in Dublin they teach girls how to 
read like a priest — and this is what comes 
of it ! Do you never hear there of the little 
people? 

Oonah {fearfully). 

No! what are they? 

Nessa {sits down and sways back and forth 

keening). 
Ochone! Oh, oh, Ochone! Sorrow and ill- 
luck have come to my hearth. 

[«3] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah {going to Aengus). 
Aengus, you will tell me what they mean. 

Aengus {taking her hand), 
'Tis them that ride on the winds, they're 
meaning, Oonah, — them whose name 
mustn't be mentioned at all. Their power 
is upon folk that sleep with the moonlight 
on them, and upon folk who long for too 
much happiness. They take away the selfish 
of heart to a land of wind and dancing waves 
and flaming stars. And those who do not 
have the blessing of the priest are there, and 
sometimes newly married brides are rapt 
away, or children that are too thoughtful. 

Oonah {wide-eyed). 
Will they take me because I broke the 
thorn? 

Aengus {drawing her to him^ forgetful of every- 
thing save his new-born love and his desire 
to protect her). 

They shall not harm you ! See, Oonah, let 

[H] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

me have the little flowers and I'll wear them 
over my heart. {Gently tries to take them.) 

Nessa. 
Oh, oh, the curse! Oh the curse and the 
sorrow ! 

Oonah {drawing away from Aengus). 
No, Aengus, you shall not take my ill-luck 
upon you. I know! I'll burn them here on 
the hearth. Listen granny, dear granny! 
Will it comfort you if I burn them? 

Nessa. 
Oh, do not, for that would make the little 
people angry, and they would have power 
upon the hearth to do us harm. Throw the 
blossoms out of the door, and pray the saints 
to clean you of their touch. 

Maurya. 
Yes, Oonah, that is best. 

Oonah. 
Then I will go do it, never fear. (To the 
flowers, half regretfully, half in fear .) Poor 

[«5J 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

pretty things, you do not look accursed. 
(She goes out, closing the door.) 

Aengus {starting toward the door). 
Do not shut the door ! (To the others.) She 
must not be alone and the darkness coming 
down. (Makes as if to follow.) 

Nessa and Maury a. 

No, no, wait! 

(All stand tensely expectant. There is a sigh- 
ing of wind. The door opens and Oonah 
comes back slowly, her face strange, her 
eyes wide with mystery. Her hands are 
clasped over her heart.) 

Aengus. 
What did you see ? 

Nessa. 

Where are the thorn-flowers? Speak loud 
so I can hear you. 

Oonah (as if in a dream). 

A wind came up and caught them out of 

my hand, and whirled them round and 

[«6] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

round. And one flew up and brushed across 
my lips, and one flew up and brushed against 
my heart, and one flew over my head and 
caught in the thatch above the door. 

Nessa. 
Did you not pray to the saints as I told you ? 

Oonah. 
There was a sound of voices in the wind 
— voices and dancing feet. 

Maurya {catching Nessa s hand). 
Oh, Nessa, see the look upon her face ! Her 
spirit is away. 

Aengus {going quickly to her, takes her clasped 

hands). 
They did not speak to you, Oonah? 

Oonah {looking at him as if she did not know 

him). 
To-night there will be something I must 
choose, but I think I shall choose wisely, 
for the voice said so. 

[>7] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aengus {sinking on his knee). 
Oonah ! have they stolen the soul from the 
sweet body of you? [As she does not an- 
swer, or look at him, he springs up.) It is the 
cursed thorn hanging above the door. I 
will go take it down and throw it far away 
from the house. [Rushes out. Outside he is 
heard to give a joyful shout. The door is flung 
open and Aengus and Father Brian appear on 
the threshold. Nessa and Maurya rise.) 

Father B. 
A blessing on this house ! (He enters quickly.) 
(As Oonah hears the priest's voice her face 
changes; she runs to him, and kneeling close 
beside him, presses her cheek to his hand*) 

Aengus (joyfully). 
'Tis the good father himself come to put an 
end to our trouble. 

Father B. 
Trouble? What is it then? Why, the colleen 
trembles like a reed at the lake. What is 
it, daughter? 

r is i 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
Oh, Father, I have brought misfortune. 

Nessa. 
It was the cursed thorn at the three cross- 
roads she picked and brought into the house. 
And there was evil in it, for she spoke 
strangely and did not answer us. 

Father B. (sternly). 
Nessa, Nessa! And if it was a branch from 
the black rim of the world, have you not the 
blessed Saint Brigit under your roof? (He 
points to the little image and all cross them- 
selves^) Let be with frightening the child 
with your talk of curses and ill-luck. 

Oonah. 

I did not mean to do wrongly, Father ! The 

branch stretched across my way and I was 

happy. 

Father B. (tenderly). 

It is the heart of innocence ! (Lifting her 

gently to her feet.) There are many powers 

[19] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

going up and down the world, colleen, and 
few of them that we can see and understand, 
but be sure that not any of them can harm 
the pure of heart. 

Maury a. 
There's a twig of the thorn caught in the 
thatch above the door still. Perhaps Father 
Brian will take it down for us. 

Aengus. 
I would have taken it, but it was gone. 

Nessa. 
Praise to the Saints, it is gone ! 

Oonah {her hands clasped again over her 

heart). 
Could it harm me, Father? 

Father B. 
Do not bother your sunny head with the 
thoughts of it. Laughter is for the young. 
Aengus Arann, do not stand staring there, 
but run down the Burren road and give a 
call at each house that you pass. Say that 
[20] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

the grand-daughter of Nessa Teig is here, a 
new neighbor to us, and that there is to be 
the finest dance in the country when the 
candles are lighted. 

Aengus [starts joyously as if to go). 
But there will be no music, Father! If only 
Aileel were here, with the harp of him that 
puts dancing into the feet even of the old 
and the lame ! Then there would be a fine 
welcome for Oonah. 

Father B. 
But the feet of the young can dance of them- 
selves. Are you dumb, that you can't sing 
the Fiddler of Kerry for a reel? 

Aengus. 
Oh, the Fiddler of Kerry ! Oonah, Oonah, 
will you be dancing it with me ? 

Oonah {shyly). 
Do you want me to? 

Father B. {heartily). 
Of course she will ! Now be off with you. 
[21] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aengus. 
I'll run every step of the way to be back the 
sooner. (He strides quickly to the door, stands 
looking back for a moment at Oonah, then goes.) 

Maury a (rising with a sigh). 
I must be going, too. 

Nessa. 
No, no, Maurya. Stay and see the dancing, 
and 'tis young again you'll be thinking you 
are. Oonah, child, put down some potatoes 
by the fire and lay the cloth. 
(Oonah hurries to obey.) 

Nessa. 
You'll sit down to a bit of supper with us 
and Father Brian. Hot bread from the 
griddle and maybe an egg or two. 

Maurya. 
No, no, thanks to you, neighbor. I've my 
own hens to feed, and old Michael will be in 
from the fields, hungry and thirsty, the dear 
man. 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Father B. 
I'll go up to the hill with you, Maurya, for 
I am on my way to bed-ridden Susan, on the 
Kylebeg road. She is worse and maybe needs 
me sorely. 

Ness a. 
Perhaps you'll look in at the dancing bye 
and bye when you pass, going home. 

Father B. 
Perhaps! Good-night, Nessa! Good-night, 

Oonah! 

Nessa and Oonah. 

Good-night, good-night. 

(At the door the priest lifts his hand in blessing. 

He and Maurya go out together. Twilight 

is falling^) 

Oonah. 
Shall I help you put by the wheel, granny? 

Nessa. 
Yes, it's too old my eyes are to spin by fire- 
light. 

(Together they move the wheel back to the 
corner behind the settle; when that is done, 

[*3] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Nessa goes back to the fire and pokes it into 

a blaze.) 

Oonah (shyly). 
To-morrow I'll not be wandering away into 
mischief. I'll spin the flax for you, granny, 
and you shall fold your hands like a lady. 

Nessa [sitting on the stool). 
Come here, Oonah, to me. 

Oonah (kneeling beside her). 
You're not angry now, granny? 

Nessa (fondly). 
Listen to the foolish girl. It's your home 
here, Oonah, and you must not be lonely for 
Dublin. 

Oonah. 
Oh no! 

Nessa. 
Soon you'll be finding a good man to work 
for you, and when you are married, 'tis the 
foot of a stocking full of silver money that I 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

have to give you. Eh ? shall you like that, 
colleen? 

{Oonah slips down till her cheek rests against 
Nessas knee.) 

Ness a {sings quaveringly). 
" Fasten your hair with a golden pin, 
And on your bosom lay roses sweet, 
For a hero rides on a milk-white steed 
To lay his glad dreams under your feet." 

Eh? shall you like that, colleen? Now run 
and light the candles, and I must be feeding 
my gray hens or they'll give us no eggs. 
{Rises and bustles to the door at the left.) 
Light the candles. {Goes out.) 

Oonah {remains sitting on the floor. After a 

moment she turns to make sure that she is 

alone. Then she draws from her bosom 

a crushed pink thorn-blossom and looks at 

it curiously in the firelight). 

I hope it was not wicked to keep it. Father 

Brian said it would not harm the pure of 

heart — and I have no evil thoughts; I only 

[*5] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

want to be happy. It hung from the thatch 
just above the door and beckoned, and the 
voice said, — [puzzled) no, not a voice ! there 
was a crying of the wind, and in my heart I 
knew that if I took the flower again and kept 
it hidden, I should choose wisely. (Rising, 
half frightened) But I do not know what I 
shall have to choose between ! It is strange I 
feel, and I wish I had told Father Brian. 
He would tell me to throw it away, maybe. 
{She moves toward the door irresolutely, then 
stops.) And yet, how can a bit of a flower 
bring harm ? But granny was afraid, and old 
Maurya and even Aengus — but he would 
have taken my curse on himself. (Dreamily) 
His arms are strong and safe, and he is kind. 
Maybe its unhappy I'll make him by keep- 
ing the bit of thorn. (The flower draws her 
eyes as a power of fascination .) It must 

be ver^ nderful to dance upon the winds 
and waves to dance and dance and never 
be weary or old... (She lifts her arms as if to 
dance; the flower falls to the floor, and as it leaves 
her hand the spell seems broken; she draws 

r 261 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

back in terror) It's wicked thoughts I'm 
thinking. (She catches sight of the image of 
the saint on its bracket) Blessed Saint Brigit, 
keep me safe from this wicked flower ! (She 
catches up the flower and hides it behind the 
image, then springs back in terror) Oh! at 
the blessed touch of her, the thorn withered 
and grew black as if the holy thing had 
burned it ! (She retreats across the room and 
stands trembling by the hearth, when Nessa 
enters at the left with eggs in her hands) 

Nessa. 
What! no candles lighted? Why the boys 
and the girls will be coming to the dancing 
and find no welcome here. 

Oonah. 
Oh Granny! I grew frightened r '' e dark ! 
There are no voices in the wind vublin, 
nor cursed flowers there. I thj it is safer 
in Dublin. 

Nessa (comfortingly). 

You are a silly girl. See the two good eggs 

[*7] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

we shall eat to-morrow. Were there such 
large eggs in Dublin? Come, hurry with the 
lights, for I hear voices on the road. 

{Oonah takes two candles from the dresser and 
hurries to the fire to light them. As she 
kneels by the hearth the door swings open, 
and a laughing, pushing group enters, headed 
by Aengus. 'There are F inula, Kathleen, and 
Sheila, with knots of gay ribbon in their 
hair and on their breasts, and Sheamus, 
Martin and Tumaus, who pull off their caps 
bashfully.) 

Aengus. 

Good luck upon this house! Nessa, may we 

come in ? 

Nessa. 

'Tis welcome you are, neighbors ! Oonah, 

see! 

[Oonah rises and turns to them with a lighted 
candle in each hand. They stop laughing 
and pushing and stare at her, surprised at 
her beauty?) 

Sheamus. 

Och, but she is beautiful ! 

T28 1 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Martin. 
It's like a saint she is with the candles and 
all. 

c Tumaus. 
Or like Niamh 1 that Oisin 2 followed to the 
Land of the Young. 

Nessa (taking the candles from her and setting 

them on the dresser). 
Greet the neighbors, Oonah. This one is 
Sheila, and there is Maurya's granddaughter 
Kathleen, and here is Finula from the wood- 
road. 

Sheila (shyly). 
We are here to welcome you, Oonah. 

Oonah. 
Tis a fine welcome it is, and it's glad I am 
to be neighbor to you. (She dips a courtesy.) 
(The neighbors stand awkwardly grouped about 

the door, not coming further into the room. 

Now and then one pushes another forward 

a step or two and all giggle.) 

1 Pronounced Nee-av. 2 Pronounced Us-sheen. 

[*9] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Nessa. 
Come in, come, in and find chairs for your- 
selves. 

{The girls sit on one side of the room rather 
primly; the boys huddle on the settle on the 
other side. They nudge each other and laugh 
under the breath^) 

Sheila {politely to Oonah). 
Dublin is a fine large city I'm thinking. 

{Smooths her apron and pats her ribbons.) 

Oonah {shyly). 
Yes. 

F inula. 
'Tis a long journey you've come. 

Oonah. 
Yes. 

Kathleen. 
Is it long you're staying here? 

Oonah. 
All my life I'm staying — till maybe I'm 

married ! 

[30] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

The Neighbors. 
Oh! (They sit forward and look at her with 
new curiosity?) 

Nessa {who listens with her hand to her ear ; 

encouragingly). 
That's right — that's right. 

Sheamus [boldly). 
Is it promised you are? 

Oonah. 
Not yet. 

Sheamus. 
Are there no men in Dublin, then? 

Martin. 
Hear Sheamus, now. (The rest laugh and 
nudge each other ; he is embarrassed.) 

Oonah. 
My sister is married, and her man had to go 
away for work and she with him, and I would 
be alone. 

[3i] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Kathleen. 

Is it no parents you have at all? 

(Oonah shakes her head. They murmur pity- 
ingly. There is an embarrassed little pause. 
Then Aengus, who has been standing in the 
background, steps forward?) 

Aengus. 
Oonah, you're not forgetting that you said 
you would dance the Fiddler of Kerry with 
me? 

Oonah [jumping up eagerly). 
Oh yes, the dancing! 

Nessa {heartily). 

Move the table back to the wall ! 

[Everyone springs up to help clear the room. 
Embarrassment vanishes and each merrily 
seizes a partner. Nessa sits in the chimney 
corner, nodding approvingly.) 

Aengus. 
Come, come! In a line then! Oonah and I 
will lead off. 
(They dance a lively country dance, one couple 

[32] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

at a time, while the rest sing and clap time. 
Between stanzas they walk in a circle \ stamp- 
ing and clappings the head couple going to 
the end of the line, the others moving up 
toward the head.) 

SONG 

i 
Oh, once there was a fiddler making tunes in County 

Kerry, 
And the folk they gathered round him, a-laughing 

all with glee. 
And it's everyone that heard him making tunes in 

County Kerry, 
Fell to dancing, dancing, dancing, like the waves 

upon the sea. 

ii 
Oh — the old men, the young men, the women and 

the children, 
And those that had but one leg, came running for 

to see, 
And it's every single one of them, that heard the 

fiddle calling, 
Fell to dancing, dancing, dancing, like the leaves 

upon the tree. 

[33] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

III 

Oh — he fiddled night and morning, and he fiddled 

noon and twilight, 
He fiddled days and Sundays too, and no one could 

be free, 
For it's every single minute that they heard his 

bow a-scraping 
They were dancing, dancing, dancing, like the wind 

upon the lea. 1 
(As the dancers march in the circle after the 
dancing of the last couple there is the sound 
of harping outside; all stand still, listening 
eagerly^) 

Aengus. 
Good luck to us, neighbors, it is Aileel! 

All (joyously). 

Aileel! Aileel, the harper! Aileel the poet! 

(The door is thrown open and Aileel is seen, 
playing a small harp. He is quaintly dressed 
in crimson, and a long cloak hangs from 
his shoulders. As he strikes the last chord, 
the babble of conversation rises to greet 
him.) 

1 For the fourth couple the first stanza is repeated. 

[34] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

The Neighbors. 
Welcome, Aileel! Come in, come in! 
{Aileel pays no heed to the calls. He looks 

gravely at Oonah and seems to see no one 

else.) 

Nessa {bustling out of her corner). 
'Tis an honor it is, for he is the greatest poet 
in Ireland. Lead him in, Oonah. 

Oonah {going to him shyly). 
Will you come in to our hearth, poet? {Gives 
him her hand.) 

Aileel. 
I will go where you lead. 
{Aengus watches them jealously as they speak 
together^) 

Aileel {speaking to Oonah and ignoring the rest). 
I knew that I should find you when I came. 

Oonah. 
What do you mean? You do not know 

me. 

[35] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aileel. 
I have known you ever since the beginning 
of the world. 

Oonah. 
How can that be? 

(The others, awed and curious, press forward 
listening?) 

Aileel. 
I know you because you are all the beauty 
of the world. You are the moon in the sky 
on a still night; you are the swaying shadows 
on the grass, and the golden dancing prim- 
roses; you are the music of the wind and the 
mystery of the stars and the fragrance of all 
the flowers. 

F inula (to the others). 
Just hear the golden tongue of him. Tis 
wonderful. 

Nessa (her hand to her ear). 
I wish he would speak louder, for it is a 
great poet he is. 

Oonah (under the spell of Aileel ' s words). 
Your voice is like the music of your harp, 
poet. 

[36] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Ailed. 
Tell me your name, oh beauty of the world. 

Oonah. 
Oonah. 

AileeL 
What music and what sweetness folded close 
in one little word! Oonah, Oonah, Oonah! 
It is a song of itself. 

Kathleen. 
Oh isn't she the lucky girl! He is making 
a song of her name. 

Nessa (crossing). 
Let me go on the other side. Perhaps I 
can hear then what he is saying. 

AileeL 
To-night the world was full of mystery, and. 
my heart was seeking. But when I passed 
this house, a great white peace came on my 
heart, for then I knew that you were here. 

Aengus (in anguish). 
He is stealing her heart with the golden 
tongue of him. Oh Oonah! 

[37] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

The Others. 
Be quiet, Aengus. Hush! (They push him 
back.) 

Aileel. 
Oh white little hand in mine, you are a little 
white bird, and it's in your nest you are, 
safe. Oh grey eyes that look into mine, 
you are two bright stars, and my soul is the 
deep lake that is reflecting your brightness. 

Oonah [softly). 
I did not know that words could be so sweet. 

Aengus [breaking away from those that hold 

him and flinging himself beside Oonah). 
Oh Oonah darling, 'tis just words it is, and 
you're letting them steal your heart. 

Oonah [starts and turns to him). 
Why, Aengus ! 

Aileel [haughtily). 
And who is Aengus Arann that he should 
speak to you now? What right, Aengus, have 
you? Are you a poet? 

[38) 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aengus (desperately). 
No, I am a lover. 

Nessa. 

Oh the boldness of him. Take him away. 

Martin, 
'Tis crazy he is ! Come away, Aengus. {Lays 
a hand on him,) 

Aengus [shaking off the hand angrily). 
If Oonah sends me I shall go — but only 
then! Shall I go Oonah? It is you that must 
choose. 

Aileel. 
You are right, lover, Oonah shall choose ! 
You shall make a poem with me, and Oonah 
shall give her hand to the best of us. 

AIL 
A contest! A contest! 

Tumaus. 
Aileel will win. He is the greatest poet in 
Ireland. 

[39] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
My choice, my choice ! Oh help me, little 
faded flower of thorn. 

Nessa. 
What does she say? 

Kathleen. 
Her words mean nothing. 

AIL 
The contest, the contest ! Begin, Aileel. 

A Heel {stepping forward). 
This is my poem for Oonah! Listen! [Half 
chants, touching his harp.) 
My love is the sum of all beauty ! 
Oh women of Ireland, shake out the dim fragrant 
mass of your hair and blind the eyes of your men, 
for if they see Oonah of the grey eyes, their hearts 
will go from you. 

My love is the sum of all beauty. 
Oh come to me, Oonah of the grey eyes, and I 
will show you all the country of love. Under the 
honey-pale moon we will walk together, your hand 

[4°] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

in mine, and I will look into your grey eyes and 
sing my love, till my soul is mist before you — till 
your soul is the sun gathering the mist to itself. 

My love is the sum of all beauty. 
Oh, Oonah, Oonah, my heart is knocking at your 
breast ! Give it peace in your heart, Oonah, for I 
love you and my love will burn like flame, till the 
stars are snatched out of the sky and all the valleys 
of the world are withered and dried. 
(He steps back; the others cheer him, clapping 
their hands.) 

Aengus. 
Oonah, I cannot sing with the harp, nor 
make fine words. I am poor, without even 
a bit of land of my own. But if you will 
give me your love, it's like a madman I'll 
work for you, Oonah. I have just my two 
hands to work and my heart to love you, 
and I'm fearing I've lost you. But to-day 
in your trouble, I held you in my arms, and 
the joy of it will keep me a long time from 
death, for no one can take that from me. 
When I saw you my heart went out of my 
[4i] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

eyes to you, and you have it now, whether 
you want it or not; and there is nothing left 
in my breast but pain — and joy ! 
(Aengus steps back. The others push forward 
excitedly, tfhere is a moment of waiting. 

Then Oonah turns to Aengus and gives him 

her hands.) 

Oonah. 
Oh Aengus, the moon and the stars are 
beautiful, but they are far away. Your hands 
are strong. / think you are the greatest 
poet in the world. 

{Aengus takes her in his arms ; they have for- 
gotten the rest.) 
A Heel (breaking the strings of his harp). 
It's right she is. I will never sing again. 

CURTAIN 



[4*] 



THE SECOND ACT 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

THE SECOND ACT 

The scene is laid again in Nessa s kitchen. The 
time is late afternoon, gray and cheerless. 
There is afire in the grate, and Oonah sits 
alone before it, dreaming, with her head in 
her hands; she is dressed soberly. For a 
moment there is silence. Then there is a 
knock at the door. She starts sharply, rises 
and goes to open it. A tall thin figure muffled 
in a gray cloak is vaguely seen outside the 
door. 

Figure (wailingly). 
IVE me the taste of food. 



G 



Oonah. 

Oh poor stranger ! I have nothing left but 
a little meal in the bottom of the bag. But 
you are welcome. (She leaves the door ajar 
and goes through the door at the left, returning 
at once with a bowl of meal. She pours half 
into a smaller bowl on the dresser, and with 
[45 J 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

this in her hand flings the door wide open. No 
one is there.) Where are you friend? I 
have meal for you. {As there is no answer, 
she turns quickly back, closes the door and 
stands against it, her hand upon her heart.) 
Twice before to-day have strangers asked 
for food; and when I come again they are 
gone. Oh these are dreadful days ! Praise 
to the saints that Granny did not live to see 
the famine. {She sets the bowl on the table 
and goes slowly back to the fire.) Sometimes 
I've the fancy 'twas I brought the bad luck 
to Galway, with the crops all dead in the 
ground, and the cattle dropping from hunger 
and thirst. And to-day it is, winter comes in. 
{Again there is a knock at the door. Oonah 

turns fearfully and hesitates before going to 

open it. Kathleen enters?) 

Oonah, 
'Oh, Kathleen 'tis glad I am that 'tis you. 

Kathleen. 
It is lonely you were, alone by the fire. 

[46] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
Lonely — and maybe a bit frightened too. 
Three times to-day have strangers come cry- 
ing for food, and when I would have given 
them the poor bit that I had, there was no 
one here. 

Kathleen {crossing herself}. 
Oh, Oonah, you should not be giving to them. 
Sure 'tis no men they are, but the hunger 
phantoms that are bringing the sorrow to 
Ireland. Evil powers are abroad on the first 
day of winter. This morning there was a 
woman found dead at the three cross-roads, 
and it's nothing but skin and bones she was, 
the poor creature. 

Oonah. 
Heaven rest her ! She had wandered far, 
maybe, in search of food. 

Kathleen. 
'Tis in Clare they say the hunger is worse 
than here. The people eat dock and dande- 
lion. 

[47] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
Oh Kathleen, Kathleen, my heart is heavy 
with fear, for it is to Clare Aengus went at 
the ploughing time to work for a rich farmer, 
and maybe earn enough money to buy a 
share of land for ourselves, for without it he 
would not be married. 

Kathleen. 
And have you no word of him ? 

Oonah. 
No word at all, but I'm hoping he tramped 
on to some other county, maybe, where there 
is better luck. 

Kathleen. 
If he would only come back, you would not 
need to be waiting, for now that Nessa is 
gone, Heaven bless her, you've this house of 
your own. 

Oonah. 
And a lonely house it is. Oh Kathleen, 
Aengus is long away. 

[48] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Kathleen. 
'Tis true — and yet it seems to be but yes- 
terday the choosing was, when Aengus and 
Aileel made songs for you. 'Twas a wonder- 
ful song Aileel made, Oonah. 

Oonah. 
But I liked the song of Aengus better. 

Kathleen. 
If he came back now that Aengus is away 
wouldn't you have him, Oonah? 

Oonah. 
Don't say such things to me ! {Passionately.) 
If Aengus did not come back I'd live lonely 
all my life. 

Kathleen. 
There — I was only making a bit of fun. 
But 'tis a queer girl you are, Oonah, every- 
one says, not to be proud to have such a 
great poet loving you, and him away by him- 
self making no more songs for the broken 
heart of him. 

[49] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
I am sorry for that, but I cannot help it. 
Maybe you'd like to have him yourself, 

Kathleen. 

Kathleen. 

Of course — if it were not for Sheamus. 

Oonah {laughing and kissing her). 
Oh you and your Sheamus ! 

Kathleen. 
I am going to see old Maurya and Michael. 
(Going.) 'Tis bed-ridden he is, and 'tis bad 
enough for old people when the crops have 
failed. I fear they'll be needing food. 

Oonah. 
Take this to them then, the dear people. 

(Presses the bowl of meal into Kathleen s hand?) 

Kathleen. 
But 'tis maybe all you have. 

Oonah. 
I've enough for one more baking of bread, 
and in the toe of Granny's stocking there are 

[5o] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

still some pieces of copper and silver, to buy 
of richer folk. 

Kathleen. 
'Tis a good neighbor you are. Happiness to 
you. [Goes out after kissing her.) 

Oonah [stands at the door looking after her; 

suddenly she draws back quickly and closes it 

as if in fear). 
A child in green with long, wild, unbound 
locks went by me in the wind ! Oh, ever since 
I kept the twig of thorn and hid it, I have 
seen strange things and heard strange laugh- 
ter and far voices calling. I wish I dared take 
the thorn down from behind the blessed saint 
and throw it far away. Maybe its power is 
gone; 'tis black and dry — and yet I'm afraid 
to be laying hand on it. I've tried to tell 
good Father Brian of it, but he only pats my 
hand and bids me not to give my mind to 
idle dreams. The little people never trouble 
him; he is too pure of heart and never thinks 
of happiness for himself. I will not think of 
it but take my knitting. {She takes her knit- 
[5i] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

ting from the drawer of the dresser and sits in 
the firelight.) 'Tis a stocking for Aengus it 
is, but he does not know of it. What was it 
Granny was singing? (Sings.) 

Fasten your hair with a golden pin, 

And on your bosom lay roses sweet, 
For a hero rides on a milk-white steed 
To lay his glad dream under your feet. 

(She falls to dreaming. 'The door opens softly 
and Aileel stands on the threshold. His harp 
with the broken strings is in his hand, his 
head bare, his face pale, his manner dreamy 
and strange^) 

Aileel (softly). 
Oonah. 

Oonah. 
Aileel, is it you ? 

Aileel (entering). 
A great horned owl flew over me in the woods 
crying warning, and I came to you. 

Oonah. 
You are welcome, poet. 
[5*] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aileel 
Poet no longer, but still your lover. Oonah, 
I was away in the hills alone and dreaming of 
you, and the trees bent down and whispered 
your name, and the birds sang it, and I knew 
that all was well with you. But three days 
ago a vision came upon me. I saw a snow- 
white deer without horns running upon the 
wind, and then a monstrous hound with one 
red ear running after, and the hound caught 
the deer and worried it. And then I saw a 
girl with yellow hair running upon the wind, 
— and her eyes were like yours ! — but a man 
on a black horse came plunging after, and the 
man caught the girl and carried her away. 
And a sound of singing grew in my ears, and 
a sound of dancing feet and revelry. And I 
knew that the Hosts of Sidhe 1 were rejoic- 
ing, and it was you, Oonah, you that they 
had rapt away ! 

Oonah. 
Oh Aileel, was it not a dreadful dream? 

1 Pronounced Shee. 

[53] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

AileeL 
Not a dream but truth — for when the vision 
was gone, I sprang up to come to you, leap- 
ing and running, and the trees whispered, 
"Haste! Haste!" and in the woods as I ran, 
a great horned owl cried warning. 

Oonah. 
Aileel, I too am afraid, for I have seen strange 
things. Three times to-day a tall gray stranger 
came, asking food, and then I saw a child in 
green with flying hair go by me in the wind. 
What must I do, Aileel ? 

AileeL 
This is the first day of the winter, and to-day 
the Hosts of the Air are in their greatest 
power. Oh Oonah, famine is walking in the 
land. Come with me! My love is more than 
any words can tell. I'll take you to the high 
hills and the clear spaces above this hungry 
country, and I'll keep you safe and happy 
there. Will you not come? 
[54] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
Do not ask me that. 

Aileel. 

The speech of the birds I'll teach you, and 

where to find the sweetest herbs and the most 

fragrant flowers, and I'll make you songs all 

day. 

Oonah, 

I am promised to Aengus, and if he were 

poor and old I could love no one but him. 

Aileel 
Is there no word I can say to change you? 

Oonah. 
No word in all Ireland. 
{Aileel turns despairingly away. There is a 

sound of running outside. Kathleen bursts 

in, not noticing Aileel in her excitement. 

She pants her message, kisses Oonah, then 

hurries away.) 

Kathleen. 
Happiness to you, Oonah darling. Aengus 
Arann himself is on the Kylebeg road. On 

[55] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

the crest of the hill he is. 'Tis glad I am 
that happiness is coming to you! {Exit.) 

Oonah. 
Aengus on the Kylebeg road! Aileel! Aileel! 
Do you hear? Aengus is coming to me. 

Aileel 
Oh, I will go away. 

Oonah. 
No, Aileel, no! You came in kindness, and 
Aengus will thank you. Stay for a bit of 
supper with us. Oh it's glad I am that I 
have a bit of meal left for the griddle-bread. 
{She hurries to the dresser and pours water 

into the bowl of meal and begins to mix it 

with eager happiness?) 

Aileel. 
To see his happy face and hear him call your 
name? No, no — I'll go back to the hills. 
{He goes to the door, hesitates, and turns back.) 
A great horned owl flew over my head cry- 
ing warning, and a vision of fear went by me 
[56] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

in the wind. I'll go back to the hills — but, 
Oonah, do not forget — the hosts of the air 
are close about you, and 'tis great power they 
have over those who wish for happiness ! 

Oonah [gaily). 
I am so happy, Aileel, that I cannot wish 
for anything better, so I've nothing to fear. 
It's kindness you're meaning, and my thanks 
to you, and it's himself who will thank you 
too, if you will wait till he comes. 

Aileel. 
Oh, the happiness of you! {He looks at her 
for a moment wistfully , then catches her hand 
and kisses it and hurries out.) 

Oonah [looking curiously at the hand he has 

kissed). 
I'm sorry 'tis so unhappy he is — but I'd 
rather it would be Aileel than Aengus, un- 
happy. 

(She stirs the meal and puts it on a griddle by 
the fire, singing softly under her breath; 
puts a white cloth on the table and some 
[ 57 J 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

bowls and a pitcher •, stopping to peep at the 
bread. Then she takes a knot of bright- 
color ed ribbon from the drawer of the dresser 
and is pinning it in her hair when the door 
swings open.) 

Aengus {enters with a staff over his shoulder ■, 
on which a small package tied in a red hand- 
kerchief swings). 

Oonah! 

Oonah (running into his arms). 
Oh, Aengus, Aengus! It was Kathleen told 
me you were on the Kylebeg road, and I knew 
it was here first you'd be coming. See, the 
table is spread, and the griddle-bread is 
browning by the fire. Come and warm your- 
self. (Stands his staff against the corner, and 
draws him to the fire.) 

Aengus (sits on the settle, Oonah kneeling be- 
side him). 
It's hungry for the sight of you I am, little 
rose! Oh the long, long days it has been 
since the night we were promised. 

[58] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
And you went away to seek your fortune, 
Aengus, and said you'd be coming back with 
your pockets full of money for a bit of a 
home for ourselves. 

Aengus [sadly). 
That was a fine bright dream. 

Oonah. 
Why do you speak so sadly? Are you not 
glad to be here? 

Aengus. 
I'm glad to be here, and sorry to go away 
again. 

Oonah. 
You will not go away. 

Aengus. 
Ah yes, for 'tis no fortune IVemade at all, but 
I've come back with empty pockets. There 
were no crops in Clare, and not work enough 
for their own men to be doing. It's far I've 

[59] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

walked, Oonah, and everywhere nothing but 
sorrow and want ; and whenever I earned a 
share of money for ourselves, there was some 
old woman or maybe a child needing it. 'Tis 
another long while before I can marry you, 
Oonah. 

Oonah (rising). 
And why should I wait for you any longer? 
Isn't there a roof here to cover us both, 
and a fire to keep us warm, and silver-pieces 
in the stocking? 

Aengus. 
Do you think I would marry you, then, with 
not a thing in the world to bring you but 
myself? 

Oonah [softly). 
But it was yourself you offered me the night 
you made me the song against Aileel. It 
was yourself that I chose in spite of all that 

he said. 

Aengus. 
It is not I that like the waiting, Oonah, for 
every day I am loving you more than the 
day before.) 

[60] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah (letting him take her in his arms). 
Then you'll not be too proud to marry me 
when it's I that have the home and the bit 
of silver to share with you. 

Aengus. 
Oh, colleen, what kind of a man would I 
be to do that ? — a beggar from the high- 
road without a penny in his pockets! 'Tis a 
hard winter coming and famine in the land, 
and you'll be glad of all that you have to 
keep off the cold and hunger. There'll be 
no place about here that a man can get work, 
Oonah, with every man in danger of starv- 
ing. I could not take your bit of fortune. 

Oonah (drawing angrily away). 
You do not love me. 

Aenvus. 
_ Oonah, what are you saying? 

Oonah. 
It's all words that you are saying. It's some- 
one else, maybe in Clare, you've given your 
f 61 1 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

love to, and now you're breaking your prom- 
ise to me. Well, 'tis broken ! 

Aengus. 
You don't know what you're saying. There's 
no one I love but you. 

Oonah. 
If you loved me you'd be wanting to marry 
me, and not shaming me when it's I that am 

asking you. 

Aengus. 
Oonah, darling, listen to me. (Tries to take 

her hand.) 

Oonah. 
You'd rather starve in a hedge than marry 

me. 

Aengus. 

No, no, it's not true ! 

Oonah. 
Will you marry me then? 

Aengus. 
Will you be listening, darling? 

[62] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah. 
Oh, I was a foolish girl to believe you. It's 
talking that's cheap, and I'll listen no more. 
And I was so happy to have the bit of a 
fortune for you. (Cries.) 

Aengus {takes her in his arms), 
Och, the dear silly girl ! 

Oonah {furiously). 
Go away from me, Aengus Arann, — but I'll 
not stay alone in this house ! {Runs to the 
door and flings it open.) Come, faeries, take 
me out of this lonely house. 

Aengus {in horror). 
You don't know what you're saying ! 

Oonah. 
Yes, I do know. I'm tired of sitting here 
alone, waiting and waiting and old before my 
time ! Come, faeries, take me out of this 
lonely house! I want to ride upon the winds 
with you, and dance upon the waves and the 
moonbeams ! 

[631 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aengus [rushing to her; tries to close the door). 
Oonah ! Oonah ! 

Oonah. 

Come, faeries, take me out of this lonely 

house ! 

[A gust of wind rushes in at the door y and the 
image of the saint is blown from its little 
shrine and broken. 'The thorn-flower is 
seen to be blooming fresh y and seems to shed 
light. A faery child in misty green robes 
and long unbound black hair stands in the 
doorway. Her hands are full of prim- 
roses.) 

Oonah [in terror of what she had done). 
Aengus, Aengus ! 

Aengus [crossing himself). 
Now God send by His strength between us 
and the hosts of the Sidhe 1 ! [Addressing the 
faery:) What do you want? 

Faery. 
One called on us ! We have come, Oonah, 

1 Pronounced Shee. 

[64] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

running upon the wind, and the sound of 
your voice was speed to our feet. 

Aengus, 
Oonah, what have you done ! 

Oonah (in fear). 
I am afraid ! Oh, I am very wicked, for I 
hid the thorn and gave them power over me! 
And now, the blessed saint is overthrown, 
and see, the withered flower is blossoming 
again. 

Faery {scattering primroses on the threshold). 
Come Oonah ! We wait for you. See, I 
make a little golden path for your feet. 

Oonah. 
I am afraid. Oh, Aengus, take me close in 
your strong arms. 

Faery (running between them, scatters prim- 
roses). 
You cannot cross the little golden flames! 
(She dances, scattering primroses, tossing them 
in the air, and weaving a spell all about 
[65] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

the room. Aengus more than once tries to 
cross the primroses , but cannot •, and finally 
stands hopeless. Oonah seems to be in a 
dream. Faery voices are heard singing out- 
side while the child dances?) 

FAERY SONG 

i 

Oh we are the Hosts of the Sidhe, 
We dance on the foam and the mist; 
Our feet beat their time in a ring, 
On the dew that the moonbeams have kissed. 
Oh come to us, mortal, oh come! 

On the path of gold primroses flung, 
To make golden the way for your feet 
To the wonderful Land of the Young. 

ii 

Oh, the beautiful Land of the Young 
Where loveliness rules in her might, 
Where joy never dies in the heart, 
Where the day never fades into night. 
Oh come to us, mortal, oh come, etc. 
[66 1 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

in 

The stars and the waves make a song 
Ever new, ever woundingly sweet; 
7'he fragrance of roses and thyme 
Rises fresh at the touch of our feet. 
Oh come to us, mortal, oh come, etc. 

IV 

A hundred glad years are a day — 
Our joyance is endlessly free, 
And our feet ever young in the dance, 
For we are the Hosts of the Sidhe. 
Oh come to us, mortal, oh come, etc. 

[Suddenly Aileel appears in the open door. The 
child ceases her dancing spell, but continues 
to sway as if blown by an invisible wind.) 

Faery. 
Come, Oonah, we wait for you. 
[Oonah looks at her in a dream and sways to- 
ward her.) 

Aileel. 
A great horned owl flew over my head cry- 
ing warning, and I came again ! 
[67] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Faery (to A Heel). 
You cannot cross the primroses. 

Aileel 
Let me cross them ! I have tidings for you. 

Faery. 
You cannot cross the primroses. 

Aileel. 
Let me cross them ! I am Aileel, the poet. 

Faery. 
But you make no more songs. 

Aileel. 
For love of her I have made no songs, but 
for love of her I will make songs for you. 
Let me cross the primroses; I have a bargain 

for you. 

Faery. 
Come ! 

Aileel (enters swiftly ', goes to the little shrine 

and si exes the thorn-blossom ; then turns.) 

Listen, daughter of Danu, for I hold your 

T 68 1 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

magic thorn, and on myself I take the curse 
it brings. Listen, Hosts of the Air that fill 
this house, you have enough of dancers in 
your ring — but none to harp for your danc- 
ing. Come, I bargain with you ! Take me 
in her stead! 

Faery, 
Will you come? Will you come, Aileel? 

AileeL 
Within one little hour I will come. See, I 
will wear the thorn as a pledge. [Places it 
over his heart?) At sunset I follow you. 

Faery (dancing to the door). 
Brethren of the Air! Aileel is ours ! (Dances 
in ecstasy.) 

(There is a sound of laughing all about the 
house.) 

AileeL 
Now take away your spell and go, for I have 
yet an hour in the world. 

Faery. 
I obey. (Touches Oonah on eyes, lips and 

[69] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

heart with the primrose, and dances laughing 

away,) 

Aengus. 
Oh Ailed, what have you done? 
{A Heel signs him to keep silence.) 

Oonah. 
I must have slept. Oh, such a strange 
dream it was. {In surprise.) Aileel, when 
did you come? 

Aileel {taking OonaFs hand, leads her to 

Aengus). 
Take her to the priest, Aengus, and be 
quick, for I must dance at your wedding 
feast ! 

Aengus. 
Yes, yes, I will go ! Oh, Aileel, I have not 
a thing in the world of my own but my love 
for Oonah. If I had, I would share with 
you till the day of my death ! 

Aileel. 
Do not be wasting time. If I could marry 
her, I would overtake the wind with my 

[7o] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

running. Shut what you have seen in your 
heart and go, — go to the priest. 

Aengus. 
Oonah, will you go to the priest with me? 

Oonah {shyly). 
What, now? I do not understand. Do 
you want me? 

Aengus. 
Want you? (Catching her in his arms.) 
You're the sun and the moon and the stars, 
Oonah, and when I'm not with you, it's in 
the dark I am. Come! 

A He el (to Oonah). 
I beg a gift of your friendship. 

Aengus. 
Whatever he asks you, darling, give it him 
twice. 

Oonah. 

Why yes, of course, Aengus. How strange 

you are. I wish I could remember what I 

dreamed ! What gift, Aileel ? 

[7i] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aileel. 
To dance with you at your wedding feast. 

Oonah. 
A wedding feast in the famine time? Oh, 
no — but if there were a feast, it is with you 
I would dance. 

Aileel. 
Then I am happy. Go, for an hour is 
short. Make haste, I say. 

Aengus {with his arm about Oonah, leads her 

out). 
Come, love! 

[Aileel looks wistfully after them. The curtain 
falls for an instant to indicate the lapse of 
half an hour. The scene is unchanged, ex- 
cept that on the bracket where the St. Brigit 
stood, some fresh red roses blossom.) 

[After a moment the door at the back is opened 

and Aengus and Oonah come in. On the 

threshold he kisses her.) 

Aengus. 

Little rose of a wife ! I can scarcely believe 

[72] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

it is not dreaming I am. Only an hour ago 
I was full of bitterness and sorrow because 
I thought I must be leaving you again — 
and now the blessed words are said. 

Oonah, 
'Tis a wonderful day, like a dream, for 'tis 
so happy I am, that I seem to have heard 
lovely music and seen a strange sight. 'Tis 
like a mist in my mind. But here is our 
own cozy home, that is real and warm, — 
and a fire on the grate, and even a bit of 
griddle-bread browning for our wedding feast ! 
Look! 

Aengus. 
'Tis not the feast I was planning to give you, 
Oonah, darling. 

Oonah (kisses her fingers and lays them on his 

lips). 
That is to keep you from grumbling. 

Aengus. 
How could I be grumbling, with you for my 
own ! — But often and often when I've 

[73] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

tramped from one farm to another in search 
of work, or slept at night under a hedge, 
maybe, to be saving for you, I have thought 
of this room, and you a bride in it, and all 
the good neighbors coming in. 

Oonah {falling into his mood). 
Kathleen and Sheamus and Sheila and may- 
be old Maurya. — 'Twould not be famine 
time in your dream, Aengus. 

Aengus. 
No, no. They would all be bringing gifts 
— a basket of setting eggs maybe, and a fine 
web of cloth and a sack of potatoes. And 
we would have a fine feast for them, — a 
pitcher of red wine and a pitcher of milk, and 
a bowl of nuts, and little white sweet-cakes ! 

Oonah. 
And then the dancing ! I would dance with 
Aileel, because it would make him happy, 
he said — and oh Aengus! 'tis I that's want- 
ing everybody to be happy, because I'm so 
happy myself. 

[74] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aengus. 
The dear loving heart of her! Can you be 
happy with just a poor man, with no feast 
and no wedding guest? 

Oonah. 
My man is not poor, for 'tis plenty of love 
he has. And here is a feast for us — good 
water cold in the pitcher, and brown, hot 
bread from the griddle. Come, draw up a 
stool to the table, for the cloth is laid. 
{'There is a knock at the door?) 

Oonah, 
And here is the wedding guest ! (She runs 
to the door and admits A Heel. He still carries 
the harp with the broken strings, and the twig 
of thorn is on his breast.) Welcome to you ! 

Aengus (heartily). 
'Tis our first guest you are to give us joy. 

Aileel (strangely). 
I give you joy with all my heart. 

[751 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonah {stepping back from him, half puzzled, 

half frightened). 
My dream! There is something I cannot 

remember. 

Aengus. 

Come, Oonah, ask our guest to share the bit 
of supper with us. 

Oonah. 
Yes, yes, draw up another stool ! 'Tis not 
a great feast, Aileel, but famine is abroad, and 
we are glad of our bite and sup. Aengus, 
take up the griddle. (Sits at the tabled) 

Aengus (at the hearth). 
'Tis a wonderful big cake of it you made. 
(Then he brings, not the small pan that Oonah 

had set on the hearth, but a large griddle 

with brown bread upon it.) 

Oonah (puzzled). 
I was thinking 'twas a little cake I baked. 
I'm glad 'tis larger. 

{They sit down, Aengus opposite Oonah, Aileel 
between them facing audience. Oonah breaks 

[76] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

off pieces of the bread and puts them on the 
plates^) 

Aileel 
May I lift the pitcher for you to pour the 
wine? 

Oonah. 
'Tis not wine, Aileel, or even milk, but 'tis 
good cold water at least, so we shall not go 
thirsty. 

Aileel. 
Why no, 'tis wine [pouring), and in this jug 
is good rich milk. 

Oonah [springing up to look). 
Oh Aengus, 'tis magic! The cow went dry 
before granny died, and there is no wine in 
all Galway except at rich men's houses ! [She 
goes round the table and clings to Aengus, who 
sits staring^) 

Aileel [unmoved). 
Why, 'tis a fine feast you have in spite of 
the famine. Here are nuts in this dish, and 
under the cloth you have little white cakes 

{77} 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

hidden. {Springing up gaily.) And here come 

the neighbors to eat with you. 

( The door opens and old Maury a comes in with 

a basket in her hands. She is excited and 

eager.) 

Maurya. 
'Tis a miracle, Oonah darling. For the gray 
hens that have not laid these many days, all 
cackled at once like mad, and here are twelve 
eggs in a basket, and joy to your wedding. 

Oonah (running to her). 
How wonderful, Maurya, and how good you 
are! But how did you know I was married? 

Maurya. 
A messenger ran with the news, but he was 
gone so quick I could not see who he was. 
'Twas all in a gust of the wind like. 

Oonah. 
Aengus, is it not strange? (To Maurya.) Sit 
by the fire, good neighbor. 
(Aengus brings her cakes and wine.) 

[78] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Maurya. 
'Tis a wonderful feast you have. 

Aileel 
Here are some more guests. Look! 
(The door opens and Sheamus and Tumaus enter ^ 
the one bearing a rabbit and the other a 
wild duck.) 

Aengus. 
Welcome, neighbors! 

Tumaus, 
Good luck to your wedding, and here is a 
gift for it. I walked by the pond and two 
ducks flew before me, and I shot both with 
one aim. And when the messenger told of 
your marriage, I said, "'Tis one of the ducks 
I'll be taking for a present." 

Sheamus. 
And I was just bending over my traps, when 
a voice cried "Aengus and Oonah are mar- 
ried and it's a feast they have"; and I looked 
up to catch sight of the messenger, and when 

[79] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

I looked back at my traps there were two 
hares struggling. And here is one, and good 

wishes to you ! 

Aengus. 
'Tis good neighbors you are ! Come, share 
what we have. 
(Oonah brings them wine and cake.) 

Tumaus. 
'Tis rich you must be, Aengus, with such a 
wedding feast for us. 

Aileel. 

Here are more guests. Look ! 

{The door opens and Sheila, Kathleen and F inula 
enter. Each carries a roll of linen which 
she lays in Oonah' s arms, kissing her.) 

Kathleen. 
You did not tell me you would be married 
so soon, but I had a web of cloth put by for 
you that I wove myself. Happiness to you! 

Sheila. 
I, too, Oonah, and I give you joy ! 

[80] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Finula. 
And I! 

Oonah. 
Dear neighbors, I'm not knowing how to 
thank you. But how did you know of the 
wedding ? 

Finula. 
A little boy ran with the news — a boy in 
green. 

Sheila. 
But he was gone so quick, I could not see 
his face. 

Aileel. 
Here is the last guest. Look! 
{Martin staggers in under a sack of potatoes as 
the door opens.) 

Aengus. 
Martin ! Why man, it's welcome you are, 
but what have you there? 

Martin. 

'Tis a lucky man I am, Aengus, for I thought 

my potatoes were spoiled in the ground. But 

only a few are spoiled and here are as many 

[81] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

as I could dig up since the messenger went 
running by with the news of your wedding. 
Good luck go with them ? 

Aengus. 
Is it dreaming I am? Friends, to-day I was 
only a poor lonely man with nothing in the 
world but this bit of a bundle — {takes his 
staff from where it leans against the settle). 
Why 'tis heavy it is ! Oonah, Oonah ! [He 
unties the handkerchief and a shower of silver 
money falls on the floor.) 

Oonah. 
Oh ! 'tis a fortune you have ! 

The Rest. 
Look ! Look ! Did anybody ever see so 
much money ? 
(They exclaim to each other.) 

Oonah. 
But you said you were poor. 

[82I 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Aileel. 
' Twas a trick he played on you, Oonah, to 
see if you'd marry him a poor man. (He 
signs Aengus to be silent.) 

Oonah, 
Is it true? 

The Rest (laughing and clapping). 

A fine trick ! A wonderful trick ! Good for 

you, Aengus! 

(They pick up the money and put it in Oonah* s 

apron.) 

Maurya. 

And now it is dancing you ought to be. 

Push back the tables, for dancing feet echo a 

happy heart better than words. 

AIL 
Oh yes, the dancing! Help with the tables 
there! Lift this out out of the way! (They 
talk happily as they clear the room.) 

Maurya. 
'Tis good luck to dance with the bride. 
Oonah, who will you be giving the luck to? 

rs 3 ] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

Oonab. 
To Aileel. Why I promised Aileel when I 
thought it was no feasting and dancing we 
could have — but I am glad I promised. 

Aileel. 
I have no wedding gift for you, Oonah, but 
perhaps you will let me give you the music 
for the dance. 

Oonah. 
How can you ? Your harp is broken ! 

Aileel. 
Yet I think some music will come from it. 
See, there is one string left. 

Oonah. 
But how can you play, Aileel, while you are 
dancing? 

Aileel. 
You shall see ! {He clears a place on the table, 
places his harp upon it, and taking the twig of 
thorn from his breast, lays it across the strings. 
Immediately there is soft music, as if the harp 
[84] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

were played by unseen hands?) Will you give 

me your hand, oh beautiful bride? 

[Oonah lays her hand in his, as if in a dream. 

They dance a stately measure, the others 

watching in a silent awe. When the dance 

is over, Aileel leads Oonah to Aengus and 

joins their hands?) 

Aileel. 

Keep her safe, oh husband — guard her 

close! For she is the rose of the world! 

(Takes his harp and the thorn?) The happy 

hour is past and I must go. 'Tis sunset and 

the wind is calling me. Listen ! 

( The fairy song comes softly from outside the 

house; the door opens of itself, the music 

swelling louder, and Aileel moves slowly 

backward toward it, his eyes on Oonah, the 

twig of thorn in his hand. As he reaches 

the door, the music swells triumphantly to 

the chorus, "Oh come to us, mortal?* He 

smiles sadly, raises his hand in farewell, 

and steps backward across the threshold, 

the door closing of itself. The rest remain 

[«S] 



THE TWIG OF THORN 

staring silently at the door, Oonah in the 
circle of Aenguss arm, while the music 
grows fainter and fainter?) 

CURTAIN 



[86] 



NOTES 



THE TWIG OF THORN 



NOTES 

The little play was first written for the Philadelphia 
Society of Brooklyn Heights Seminary, by whose members 
it was very charmingly produced on April sixteenth, 1 9 1 o, 
in Memorial Hall, Brooklyn, New York. 



No one can touch, even ever so lightly, the old tradi- 
tions of Ireland, without falling under the spell of their 
magic : thus, though Oonah and Aengus and Aileel do 
not exist among the old tales, the loving study of many 
and many of these went into the making of their story. 
For her knowledge of the old customs and traditions re- 
ferred to, the writer is indebted most to the various writ- 
ings of Dr. Douglas Hyde, of Mr. William Butler Yeats, 
and of Lady Augusta Gregory. 

Some of the references may be the better for a word of 
explanation : — 

Saint Brigit, or Saint Bride as she is often called, was, 
after Saint Patrick himself, the most noted figure among 
Irish Christians of the fifth century. She was universally 
known as "the Mary of the Gael," and many miracles 
were ascribed to her. 

[89] 



NOTES 

Tuatha De Danann \_Tu-a-tha De D6n-nan\ t or 
Tribes of the goddess Danu, were the elder semi-divine 
inhabitants of Ireland. Later they became confused with 
the Sidhe [Sfo*] or Faery Hosts. Sidhe is also the Gaelic 
word for wind, and the Faery people who bear this name 
journey on the whirling gusts, and have most power when 
the winds are high. They frequently steal away mortals, 
either casting them into a magic sleep, during which they 
are said to be "away," or removing them altogether from 
the mortal world. 

Naimh \Nee-av\ was a most beautiful woman of the 
Tribes of Danu, a daughter of the king of the Land of the 
Young, as the Faery country is called. Oisin or Ossian 
[ Us-sbe'en\ the poet-warrior, left his country and people to 
follow her, and returned only after thousands of years, to 
find the church-bells tolling over Ireland, and the good 
Saint Patrick preaching to the people. 

November, the old beginning of winter, was associated 
with the powers of darkness, dismay, and death. Evil and 
mischievous spirits were believed to have special power at 
this time. 

The thorn is, of course, accursed because of its part 
in the torment of the Crucifixion. 



The music which follows was written for the original 
production by Mr. Royal Stone Smith of Brooklyn, New 

[90] 



NOTES 



York, to whose courtesy the writer is greatly indebted for 
its publication here. The harp, violin, or piano scores 
may be obtained by writing Mr. Smith in care of the 
publisher. 

FASTEN YOUR HAIR WITH A GOLDEN 
PIN 



PAGE 25 



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Copyright, 1910, by Royal Stone Smith. 

[9«] 



NOTES 
OH, ONCE THERE WAS A FIDDLER 

PAGE 33 



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Copyright, 1910, by Royal Stonb Smith, 



OH, WE ARE THE HOSTS OF THE SIDHE 
PAGE 66 



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[93] 



On the 



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[94l 



4th verse. 



NOTES 




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Copyright, 1910, by Royal Stone Smith. 



[96] 



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